Minneapolis adopts Climate Action Plan

June 28, 2013 (MINNEAPOLIS) Today Minneapolis launched an aggressive new Climate Action Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas pollution. The plan provides a roadmap to reduce citywide greenhouse gases 15 percent by 2015 and 30 percent by 2025 from a 2006 baseline, which are goals adopted by the City Council in 2012.

Climate change is a defining challenge of this century. The scientific consensus holds that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are destabilizing the earth’s climate and that human activity is the primary driver of this pollution. Without rapid action to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, humanity will face threats to our economic livelihood; public health; and supplies of food, fresh water and power.

The plan has specific goals and strategies to:

Advance energy efficiency in residential, public and commercial buildings.

Provide cleaner transportation options.

Support walkable neighborhoods.

Reduce waste and increase recycling.

Use more local and renewable energy.

The plan incorporates feedback from 18 months of public engagement including an extensive working group process, three public open houses, and two surveys of Minneapolis residents and businesses. The City also worked with the Community Environmental Advisory Commission, Public Health Advisory Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Planning Commission.

The plan identifies strategies such as ordinance changes, program development, partnership building, advocating for changes to state and federal law, and community actions. By the end of 2013, the City will develop priorities for action to shape policy decisions over the next two years. The City will report annually on community greenhouse gas pollution and the impact of strategies undertaken each year.

Minneapolis has been a climate action leader for more than 20 years, adopting one of the nation’s first greenhouse gas emissions reduction plans in 1993. The new plan continues this leadership and sets the stage for renewed local action.